They should be raising awareness against atrocities against tribals, say the naxalites.

Members of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) have condemned Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar's and badminton star Saina Nehwal's decision to support slain CRPF jawans who were recently martyred during a clash with the naxalites. The celebrities should use their resources to spread awareness on the brutalisation of tribals instead, according to a statement from the local outfits.

"We condemn the assistance provided to the family members of those killed in the attacks," according to a leaflet released by the Maoists. "We appeal to the actors, sports personalities, and celebrities to lend support to the people and the revolution. Stand against human rights violations and police atrocities."

While Kumar had earlier donated ₹9 lakh each to the families of the 12 martyred CRPF jawans, Nehwal donated ₹50,000 to each of the families.

The CRPF personnel were killed in March and their arms looted when Naxals ambushed their patrol party in the Maoist hotbed of Sukma in Chhattisgarh. Last month, 26 CRPF jawans were killed in a similar ambush.